So any old mask Is protective now? FFS

[HMSSophie]

Did I dream that, back when this all started, we were assured by the government that non clinical masks did nothing to protect us because the virus was so tiny it would pass straight through, and that anyone who thought that clipping on their "decorators mask" to pop to Tesco's was a good idea, was in fact a fool, a panic monger and, to be honest, rather an embarrassment to the nation?

So how come I saw someone telling me on Tv last night that even a double -folded piece of cotton would foil 99%'of virus spores (or whatever they are called).

Which is it? This government is unbelievable!!

[Willyoujustbequiet]

The Government have lied repeatedly and Jenny Harries is a puppet. She knew damn well there was a risk with big gatherings. Any idiot did. Now they are talking about an inquiry as to why Cheltenham went ahead.

Masks work. I've been saying this for months. The correct ones offer a lot of protection. You can still buy them. But any covering will help.

[Gruffawoah]

DH reckons they look easy to make but he is much more practical than me

There are quite a few tutorials on YouTube etc that show step by step instructions, some don't require any sewing but I you have to do the folding etc everytime which seems quite time consuming! If you have a sewing machine, even a very basic one they aren't too tricky, but a bit fiddly which is what takes the time. If you don't already have the equipment then probably better to just buy some if you can though! I've made a few, been thinking about offering them on the local Facebook page with caveats that doesn't negate the need for social distancing etc, but not sure.

[HostessTrolley]

My observation from our local supermarket is that the majority of mask wearers have been people shopping in pairs rather than alone - a bit of a ‘pick n mix’ approach to social distancing

[EducatingArti]

See, I think what we should be doing is using cloth masks but sticking pantie liners on the insides of them. 😆 The liner absorbs our germs but the plastic backing stops other people's germs coming the other way. They couldn't be too tight fitting though as you wouldn't be able to breathe!

[PestymcPestFace]

EducatingArti non woven fabric can be used as a filter, so a panty liner (non plastic backed), a hepa filter from a vacuum cleaner or just some kitchen towel.

[B1rdbra1n]

The messaging from the government on the subject of masks has made me suspicious, they are trying to play both ends to the middle🤨

[Nameofchanges]

They lied to us about the masks.

I understand there was a short term gain from the lie, but the long run is confusion about the issue and distrust in the government.

[lljkk]

Where was this news bout double folded cotton broadcast? I can't find a quick link. Thanks.

Trish Greenhalgh seems to be on a mission about masks.

[WhatPollyForgot]

[PestymcPestFace]

US advice on face coverings, including how to make on from a bandana. And links to research about asymptomatic cases.
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

[HMSSophie]

I have no intention of wearing a mask thank you. It's the finessing the truth, downright lies the government has fed us, that I'm cross about. One moment it's wags your hands more and you'll be fine, the next it's wash your deliveries in bleach for 17 hours prior to opening them. One day it's "we are well provided for with PPE then it's "reuse your PPE aprons". One day it's "the NHS will cope", then it's lock down and Nightingales popping up left right and centre. It's telling us the elderly are highest risk and must stay in purdah for ever, then it's "oh, no, of course we can't add the deaths in care homes to our figures". The spinning, the political bravado, that grinds my gears.

[jobhunter7]

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZtEX2-n2Hc

watch this!

[puffinandkoala]

I've already posted on here that I am using a runner's snood. I just popped into my local M&S as they didn't have what I wanted last time I was in, and most people in there had cloth masks/scarves on. If everyone does it, you reduce transmission. All the German states have made mask-wearing mandatory in some form (generally local public transport) - humans are humans, so if it works for them it works for us.

[puffinandkoala]

the next it's wash your deliveries in bleach for 17 hours prior to opening them

The government has never advised this and it's a complete nonsense. Some doctor said it, then the media got hold of it and hey presto those with health anxiety start quarantining shopping and soaking their letters in bleach...

[Violetparis]

My friend in Spain has to wear a mask when he walks the dog, everyone in his town received one from the local mayor. Our government should have been advising us to cover our mouths/noses weeks ago.

[ravenmum]

We've had to wear them since Monday. Based on my experience, I'd suggest getting hold of a couple of reusable masks now. Here, they informed us on the Friday, and I wasn't able to get any kind of mask anywhere by the Monday, whereas there had been some about before.
I tried a runner's snood, but they are not designed to stay firmly on your nose - had to keep pulling it back up, when you are not meant to touch them - and in this weather they are unpleasantly hot.

I've ended up sewing masks myself. Another tip: if you are having a clearout now that you have lots of time at home, don't clear out all your old t-shirts as I did!

And if you are good with a sewing machine, start making them now and when the government caves in like all the rest and makes them compulsory, you'll be able to make a mint selling them to your neighbours!

[ravenmum]

And a tip for any town councillors: here in Dresden, the council announced that they would be handing out masks for free on the Monday at the city hall. Surprise, surprise, a huge crowd of people turned up to get their free masks, and would have had to queue for miles if they had kept 2m apart. The mayor is now facing legal action.

[DavidSplatt]

Has the Government released official guidance on this and said that's what we need to do??

If so, please can you share the link

If not, I refuse to believe anything other than what I'm told officially and from the government... not from the media/ social media or on heresay..

Cheers 👍

[goshdarnitjanet]

Here, they informed us on the Friday, and I wasn't able to get any kind of mask anywhere by the Monday, whereas there had been some about before.

This will happen - you won't be able to get one for love nor money and woe betide anyone who hasn't got a sewing machine and can run some up using a pair of old knickers. Next thing we'll be back to the naming and shaming and photos of people seen out and about without a correctly deemed face covering. This cannot happen unless the government provides all 60million odd of us with the relevant face masks.

[Gruffawoah]

@DavidSplatt this is the crux of it, they are worried people will buy up all of the supplies if they recommend it, once again treating us like children assuming we can't behave and adhere to the advice to use handmade; and everyone should be left at greater risk because they have messed up procuring correct PPE for the NHS:

www.bbc.com/news/uk-52363378

So no, because of their incompetence and contempt for us they will likely not recommend it. However, when lots of people are happy to make them very cheaply or for free for communities, they are worn to protect others, and incorrect use unlike medical ones won't increase the risk for the wearer it seems odd to not recommend people wearing one. And most other countries are, but we are special here.

[Gruffawoah]

Oh, and they don't want to have to actually do anything to facilitate providing them. If you have the materials or know someone who does, it seems a no brainer to wear one.

[Chillipeanuts]

Not protective of the wearer. Significant evidence though suggesting they can cut amount of virus the wearer passes on. So, worth looking daft for I think. Would rather not unknowingly make someone ill.

[ravenmum]

This cannot happen unless the government provides all 60million odd of us with the relevant face masks.
The government here specifically says that we should not be wearing medical masks. Instead, we should be using either a scarf of some kind or a home-made-style cotton mask (green tick in this pic). As I say, though, a scarf is very hot in this weather.

[ravenmum]

They are worried people will buy up all of the supplies if they recommend it, once again treating us like children assuming we can't behave and adhere to the advice to use handmade
Even here in (supposedly) "sensible" Germany, people are not getting the message that they shouldn't be using medical masks - you do see people (especially older people) wearing medical ones.
To be fair, when I was looking for a mask, I went in a chemist's, and an elderly man in front of me was asking the same question. The chemist told him he should make his own, and his eyebrows shot up out of sight in amazement: "Me?! Sew a mask?!" I'm able to sew, and Google patterns, but it still took me ages to even thread the blood needle with my shitty eyes. I doubt this old man would manage it.

[Gruffawoah]

It does sound ridiculously that a home made mask could be recommended, but that's why they need to explain it and do an information drop so people know. You will still get some people trying to buy medical masks, but the selfishness of some should not dictate policy for everyone imo. Here the local sewing group are doing the double filter cotton masks and just charging £1, or for free depending on who is making them. My sewing skills are pretty basic, but I have made quite a few and am happy to make more for people if needed- lots of communities would probably be the same if asked or told it would be a good idea.